THOMAS PHILLIPS BEVANS,

Exmouth. A Minister. 68 19 11 mo. 1881

Although T. P. Bevans was probably but little known outside his own family circle and the limits of the Quarterly Meeting of which he was a member, it is thought that a brief record of some of the more prominent incidents of his singularly eventful life may prove helpful to others who, like him, may find themselves much isolated from intercourse with Friends, and at times surrounded by conditions little favourable to a religious life.

He was the son of James and Sarah Bevans, and was born in London in the year 1813. In 1822 his father left England for South America, and settled with his family at Buenos Ayres, but T. P. B. and an elder brother remained at Ackworth School. The judicious care and instruction which he received there continued through life to be of the greatest value to him. The brothers left Ackworth in 1825, and under the care of the captain of the vessel they performed the long voyage from England to South America, and joined their family at Buenos Ayres. Thomas was then about twelve years old. The remainder of his life, up to the year 1873 was, with the exception of occasional visits

Not

to England, spent abroad, and almost entirely cut off from all association with Friends. withstanding this isolation and the adverse influences of his surroundings, he remained throughout his life firmly attached to the principles of our Society.

In later life T. P. B. was often heard to speak in the highest terms and with deep feeling of the beautiful christian character of his father, who died in 1832, and concerning whom a Buenos Ayres newspaper says, in referring to his death,"He was an affectionate husband, a tender father, and a sincere friend,-one that would not intentionally harm any living creature. His religious opinions partook of the greatest liberality; he belonged to the sect called the Society of Friends, and always wore the Quaker costume, although in a somewhat modified form." To the influence of this Christian parent, T. P. Bevans owed much of the development of his own religious character.

He deeply felt the loss of his membership among Friends when, in 1840, in consequence of his marriage, the Monthly Meeting to which he belonged felt it necessary to deprive him of it. But he did not allow himself to harbour any uncharitable feeling towards those whom he

considered were only carrying out the discipline as it then existed, and he looked forward with hope for a time when the well-being of the Society would be regarded from a different standpoint. Living abroad and away from Friends' meetings, he did not think it right to absent himself from a place of worship, but could never be induced to become a member of any other religious body.

About the year 1838 he commenced business

in Monte Video.

But in 1849 it became necessary to leave that town. The unsettled state of public affairs had resulted in the frequent change from one Military Government to another; and for six years Monte Video had remained in a state of siege. Scenes of violence and bloodshed long continued to be of frequent occurrence, and occasionally shot from the assailants passed over the house in which he and his wife resided, and it was unsafe to venture beyond the fortifications of the city. Finding it impossible to continue the quiet pursuit of his business, he determined to leave the country. But to carry out this determination was by no means easy. Eventually, however, he was able to make arrangements with the captain of a French vessel to take himself and wife, with their household furniture and everything belonging to his business establish

D

ment, to San Francisco. But his troubles were not ended, for they very narrowly escaped shipwreck during a fearful storm off the Falkland Islands. The captain of the vessel was obliged to resign his post from temporary blindness, and the crew refused to work. Amongst the passengers was a seafaring man who took the command, and, aided by his fellow-passengers, succeeded in navigating the ship; a merciful Providence permitting that his skill and their energy should be the means of saving the vessel and the lives of those on board.

Whilst residing at Buenos Ayres and Monte Video Thomas P. Bevans was engaged in business as a chemist. For some years he also studied medicine, and having obtained his diploma he practised for several years in San Francisco as a physician; but eventually abandoned that profession, and confined himself to the practice of pharmacy, until, in the year 1858, he felt able to retire from business.

Whilst residing in San Francisco he received a visit from Robert and Sarah Lindsay. They stayed at his house, and his intercourse with them confirmed him in his long-cherished wish to be re-united in membership with Friends. It was partly with this object in view that he visited

England in 1862, and remained there until 1864. During this period he resided near Coventry, and was received into membership by North Warwickshire Monthly Meeting. He returned to San Francisco in 1864, and was mainly instrumental in gathering together a few Friends, and those connected with them, and forming there a little meeting, which, however, had to be discontinued in a few years, in consequence of the removal of its members.

From time to time in the course of his eventful life our beloved friend had committed his way unto the Lord; and in 1873 the desire of his heart was granted him in being permitted to come and pass the evening of his days in the quiet of an English home, where he enjoyed the privilege of meeting with Friends in their religious and other gatherings. He finally selected Exmouth as his resting place. Situated on the South coast of Devonshire, and within easy access of Exeter and its meeting, he found there the peaceful home he had sought. Very diligent was he in the attendance of our meetings for worship and discipline, and he occasionally felt constrained to offer a few words in the former-words of great simplicity and earnestness, evidently uttered in obedience to the Master's call. He was natu